The Bicycle Coalition of Maine is celebrating 30 years of making Maine better for bicyclists and pedestrians—and you’re invited to the party!
Join us as we celebrate the BCM’s past successes and provide a sneak peek into our plans for the future!
Date & Time: Sunday, October 2, 2022 from 1 – 4 p.m.
Location: Camp Somerset in Smithfield, Maine
Let us know if you can attend by using the RSVP form below!
Please note that there is no cost to attend this celebration event, and contributions are greatly appreciated.
Event Program:
1:00 p.m. – Meet and Greet
Socialize, explore the space, and enjoy the beauty of East Pond.
1:30 p.m. – Welcome and Speakers
We’ll hear from a fantastic lineup of speakers:
Kate Dempsey, The Nature Conservancy, Maine Director, who will share the ever-strong TNC/BCM connection and her perspectives on how our organizations can continue to partner on initiatives related to climate, public health, and access to the outdoors.
Nancy Grant, former BCM Executive Director and Board President, who will reflect on BCM’s key accomplishments and challenges during the past 30 years.
Jean Sideris, BCM, Executive Director, who will provide a look forward to our next 30+ years of making Maine better and safer for people biking and walking.
1:00-3:30 p.m. – Silent Auction
Place your best bid on auction items, including artwork, gift baskets, quilts, outings, vacationland rentals, and so much more!
Online “pre-bidding” for our silent auction has opened! Check out the items and place a bid online until Sept 30 at noon. We’ll pick up the bidding at the event on Sunday!
3:30-4:00 p.m. – Farewell
Thank you, silent auction closeout, and goodbyes.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
It’s hard to believe, but it’s been 30 years since the BCM’s humble beginnings at the Maine Bike Rally in Newport back in 1992. Since then, we’ve made a mark on the state through educating kids and adults alike, launching numerous programs and campaigns, helping to create and implement state laws protecting vulnerable users and encouraging Mainers to share the road, holding the annual BikeMaine ride and countless other events, and amassing tens of thousands of supporters along the way.
“I was asked to speak about the new U.S. DOT’s Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 and the State of Maine’s Sensible Transportation Policy Act of 1991,” recalls BCM founder Charley LaFlamme. “While I was talking, I passed around a sheet of paper, and about 40 people in attendance wrote down their names and contact info.”
These folks became the first official supporters of the BCM. Charley’s speech inspired the MaineDOT to ask him to attend another bicycle advocacy rally in Montreal, and eventually led to the first gathering of BCM supporters on the steps of the Maine State House later in 1992.